China Auto Rental Holdings Inc, the country's largest vehicle leasing company by fleet size and revenue, recently announced its five-year strategy together with British soccer legend David Beckham.

Part of the plan is its "cloud strategy". The company has invested 70 million yuan ($11.3 million) so far this year alone to improve its information system and develop a cloud computing platform, said Lu Zhengyao, chairman of China Auto Rental.

The core of its cloud strategy is to use high-tech IT in fleet management, making it possible for clients to rent a car "anytime and anywhere", said Lu. "The strategy will create a new trend in solutions to meet both individual and corporate demand in China," he said.

The Beijing-based company also signed a multiyear partnership with Beckham, the soccer icon's first business partnership since he announced retirement from the sport on May 16.

"We are extremely pleased to have entered into this partnership with Beckham," said Lu. "Together our goal is to promote a healthy way of living."

The 38-year-old soccer legend said "China holds a special place in my heart".

"I have seen with my own eyes the joys and aspirations of this country during my multiple visits here.

"It is an honor to have established this partnership with a company as dynamic and innovative as China Auto Rental."

After five years of rapid development, it now leads the country's car rental industry in fleet size, network coverage and brand awareness.

It also established a partnership with global car rental company Hertz in April for comprehensive business cooperation.

China Auto Rental now operates in 66 major cities and 52 airports across the country with nearly 700 service outlets.

Legend Holdings, Hertz Corp and Warburg Pincus are the company's major shareholders.

lifangfang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 07/01/2013 page10)